The popular slang "Naija" is not just a slogan or appellation for Nigeria. It represents the energetic, resilient, incisive and resourceful spirit and image of Nigeria. Outside the shores of Nigeria, Nigeria is prominently perceived as energetic, resilient and resourceful hence Her title of "Giant of Africa". However, it is important to acknowledge that it is the positive energy, resilience and resourcefulness of Nigerian youths that formed the driving force for Nigeria as the giant of Africa. Evidently from 1960 to 1980 after independence when Nigeria got the appellation "Giant of Africa", it was clear that youths were the driving force of Nigeria's affair. Their positive impacts were visibly felt in politics, economy, health, sports, entertainment, military, science and education to mention a few.

To juxtapose this fact, it is on record that between 1966-1967, the Nigerian currency-Naira was interchangeable at par with Great Britain Pound sterling. In the same vein, precisely in May, 1977 the exchange rate of the Naira to the United States Dollar was NI .00 to $1 .5314. It is however pertinent to note that the man at the apex of Nigeria's administration during this period was General Yakubu Gowon who was just 32 years of age. Sadly, by year 2000, it has became a glaring fact that Nigerian youths have lost their place in the decision making process of our political affairs.

At this stage of our national life, it is paramount for us to embrace the fact that now is the time to take back our place and collectively create the Nigeria we are all proud of. The potentially important role of youths in Nigeria’s development cannot be overemphasized. Youths are sources of labor inputs, as well as human capital in production, which improves total factor of productivity in a region of the world where capital formation is limited. When employed, youths could be a reliable source of demand for the economy through their consumption activities.

In addition, the youths of Nigeria are critical for the development of a new class of entrepreneurs that Nigeria need to prosper.
Furthermore, youths occupy a prominent place in any society. Apart from being the owners and leaders of tomorrow, they outnumber the middle-aged and the aged. Besides numerical superiority, youths have energy and ideas that are society's great potentials.

To buttress this fact, The National Youths Development Policy asserts that: Youths are the foundation of a society. Their energies, inventiveness, character and orientation define the pace of development and security of a nation. Through their creative talents and labour power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments. In their dreams and hopes, a nation founds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose. And because of their dreams and aspirations, the future of a nation is assured.

However, to contribute our quota to national development, young people in national youths service organizations can play a vital role in post war community reconstruction, in maintaining peace in tense situations, and perhaps in preventing post-conflict squealed.

Furthermore, youths must play vital role to accelerate rural development through getting deeply involved in self-help projects in various local governments in Nigeria especially projects that involve Trade, Commerce, Home Economics, Small and Medium Term Enterprises and Agriculture.
Also, youths must get involved in contemporary political participation and development. They must perform their political / civic duties of getting voters' card, voting for credible candidates and contesting for political positions with the ultimate aim of channelling their knowledge and experiences towards making Nigeria great again. Youths must not be involved in actions that distrusts the flow of credible, free and fair elections.

Also, youths must support and supplement government's efforts in community development projects by creating youth community based organisations which among others will serve the functions of:
Strengthening community resources management;
Mobilise members of the community for national developmental programmes;
Improve the general skills of youths in the community to be more productive;
Promote sustainable human development trainings;
Encourage the participation of the marginalised communities in the promotion of rural development programmes that affects them and;
Ensure proper accountability of the community resources.

Pertinently, it is crucial at this time for Nigerian youths to understand that Nigeria needs us! We must however wake up from our slumber and take clues from our counterparts in developed countries of the world to positively channel our energy towards advancing our economy, polity and governance, health care system, technological prowess, military, entertainment, sports, education...to mention a few to make Nigeria great again and align with sustainable development tendencies which 21st century has to offer.

By:
Soyoye Akinyode Solomon
(soyoye.akinyode@gmail.com)